Kolo Toure is convinced Liverpool will learn from their defensive errors and believes derby victory can make a “big difference” to their spluttering season.

The Reds warmed up for the weekend visit of neighbours Everton FC by scraping through to the last 16 of the Capital One Cup with an epic penalty shoot-out victory following a 2-2 draw against Middlesbrough on Tuesday night.

But Brendan Rodgers’ side again showed signs of the back problems that have brought three defeats in five Premier League games already this season.

And Toure, who conceded the last-minute spot-kick which ensured the tie went to penalties, admits Saturday’s derby has taken on extra significance with both Merseyside clubs struggling for form.

“Both teams are back in Europe and that can take a lot out of you because you play against tough teams and you can lose a bit of focus on the Premier League.”

Toure’s start on Tuesday was his first for Liverpool since netting an own goal in the 3-2 win at Fulham back in February.

He passed up the chance to join Turkish side Trabzonspor during the summer to instead fight for his place at Anfield.

And the defender is eager to play a greater role for the Reds in the coming weeks.

“I was so happy to play,” he said. “We have a good squad and the manager has to pick the players.

“For sure I want to play more but it’s up to the manager to put the right players into the team at the right time.

“I think with that performance we showed that Liverpool have a good squad. Anyone can come in and do well.

“The bench is going to be really important this season because there are so many games with the Champions League as well as the other competitions.”

Teenage midfielder Jordan Rossiter marked his full debut against Boro with a goal while 18-year-old Jordan Williams also made a senior bow from the bench.

And Toure said: “Jordan Rossiter is a great player. I really like this boy. He scored a great goal and showed the strength of Liverpool Football Club.

“Every day when he comes to training he gives 100%. When you play with young players like that you enjoy it.

“Lots of young players out there don’t love football and they don’t work hard. But with the boys we have here it’s amazing.

“Jordan Williams also did really well when he came on. Both Jordans work hard and I wasn’t surprised by how well they did.”

Toure atoned for his late error by scoring emphatically in the shoot-out as the Reds recorded a remarkable 14-13 triumph to secure their place in the last 16.

“I’ve never been part of a shoot-out quite like that,” he said.

“I remember in the African Nations Cup against Cameroon we had a long shoot-out with the player who took the first one eventually having to take another penalty which he missed. But it didn’t go on for as long as this one.

“This one was the longest. It was unbelievable, 30 penalties. I took our seventh and I thought it was coming back to me again!

“It was tough but we showed a strong mentality to keep scoring goals. That showed the strength of the team.”